Church of St Anne, Aigburth Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Church of St Anne, Aigburth
Church of St Anne, Aigburth, west end
53°22′10″N 2°55′50″W / 53.3694°N 2.9305°W / 53.3694; -2.9305
OS grid reference	SJ 381 862
Location	Aigburth, Liverpool, Merseyside
Country	England
Denomination	Anglican
Website	St Anne's, Aigburth
History
Status	Parish church
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade II*
Designated	12 July 1966
Architect(s)	Cunningham & Holme
Architectural type	Church
Style	Norman Revival
Groundbreaking	1836
Completed	1914
Specifications
Materials	Ashlar stone, slate roof
Administration
Parish	Aigburth: St Anne
Deanery	Liverpool South Childwall
Archdeaconry	Liverpool
Diocese	Liverpool
Province	York

The Church of St Anne is a beautiful old church located on Aigburth Road in Aigburth, Liverpool, England. It's a special building, listed as a Grade II* historic site, which means it's very important and protected. This church is an active Anglican parish church, part of the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool. Its design is an early example of the Norman Revival style, which means it looks like buildings from the Norman period (around 1066 onwards).

History of St Anne's Church
Architecture and Design
Outside the Church
- The Historic Gate Piers
Community Connections
Images for kids
See also

History of St Anne's Church

How the Church Was Built

The Church of St Anne was built between 1836 and 1837. It was designed by architects Cunningham and Arthur Hill Holme. A group of local business people, including John Moss, Charles Stewart Parker, John Abraham Tinne, and Josias Booker, helped start the church. It was officially opened in 1837.

Changes Over Time

Over the years, the church has been changed and expanded. In 1853–54, new side sections called broad transepts were added. These are like the "arms" of a cross-shaped church. The chancel, which is the area around the altar, was also made longer. Later, in 1893–94, the galleries (balconies) on the north and south sides were removed. The chancel was extended even more in 1913–14.

A Fire in 1913

On December 16, 1913, the church was damaged in a fire. This fire was started by Suffragettes, who were women fighting for the right to vote. During this time, the movement to get votes for women was becoming more active. The altar and the choir stalls (where the choir sits) were burned in the attack.

Architecture and Design

What the Church Looks Like

St Anne's Church is built from ashlar stone, which means smooth, finely cut blocks of stone. It has a slate roof. The church's design follows the Norman Revival style, making it look strong and historic.

Key Parts of the Building

The church has a tall tower at the west end. On one side of the tower is a baptistry, a special area for baptisms. On the other side is a stair bay, which holds a staircase. The main part of the church, called the nave, has four sections. There are also north and south transepts (the "arms" of the church). The chancel, where the altar is, has three sections, with the organ on one side and a vestry (a room for clergy robes) on the other.

Special Features of the Tower

The main entrance is at the bottom of the tower. It has a round-headed doorway, decorated with blind arcading (arches that are part of the wall, not openings) and a patterned gable (the triangular part of the wall above the entrance). Above the entrance is a clock face, surrounded by a large rose design. The tower also has bell openings with two lights (sections) on each side. Above these, there's a cornice (a decorative ledge) with corbels (support brackets) and a parapet (a low wall at the edge of the roof) with more blind arcading.

Windows and Galleries

The east window, at the very end of the church, has three tall, narrow windows called lancets and a beautiful rose window (a large circular window). Inside, the west gallery is still there, along with galleries in the transepts.

Outside the Church

The Historic Gate Piers

The gate piers (large, strong posts) at the entrance to the church grounds are also very old and important. They are listed as Grade II historic structures. There are two pairs of these stone gate piers, and they also show the Norman Revival style. They are octagonal (eight-sided) and feature decorative arches, corbels, and finials (ornamental tops).

Community Connections

The Church of St Anne is right next to St Margaret's Church of England Academy. The church is often used by the school for special events, like carol services.